We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a two-year appointment to work in the lab of Dr. Zachary MacDonald at the University of California, Riverside in close collaboration with Dr. Brad Shaffer at the University of California, Los Angeles on a range of landscape and conservation genomics projects focused on butterflies and other insects. Several of these projects are associated with the broader California Conservation Genomics Project (ccgproject.org). The position will be based in person at UC Riverside, with frequent visits to UCLA. Remote appointments are not possible.
The MacDonald and Shaffer labs have multiple whole-genome insect datasets already generated and ready for analysis and publication. Additional conservation genomics projects are also getting underway in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. For applicants interested in contributing to new and emerging projects, opportunities for fieldwork are available.
Required qualifications include a PhD in bioinformatics, evolutionary ecology/biology, or a related field. We are looking for candidates with strong bioinformatics experience and a demonstrated publication record, including experience assembling reference genomes using HiFi or other long-read sequencing data, generating VCF files with GATK or related pipelines, and conducting whole-genome analyses.
The anticipated start date is Nov 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and satisfactory performance. Salary will be commensurate with experience and follow the University of California Postdoctoral Scholar salary scale ($71,491–$85,736 annually as of October 1, 2026). The position includes the comprehensive UC Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Plan, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Applicants should submit a CV, a brief cover letter describing research experience and interests, and contact information for three references to zmacdona@ucr.edu with the subject line “Postdoc inquiry: [Last Name].” Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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